Declaration gives powers to county

By JOE NEWMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 25, 1998

inellas County commissioners declared a state of local emergency Thursday morning, allowing them to order a mandatory hurricane evacuation and giving them several other powers, including the right to enforce a curfew.

More coverage from the Times on our Georges site.

While a curfew isn't likely in this case, other emergency powers went into effect immediately.

They include the right to enter contracts, rent equipment, hire temporary and permanent employees and use volunteer workers, all without following their normal procedures or legal requirements.

In other words, county officials are allowed to do whatever is necessary to "ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community."

For example, the county officials are usually required to put contracts for more than $10,000 out to bid.

During the state of emergency, it also is illegal for any person or business to use drinking water for any purpose other than cooking, drinking and bathing. People who violate the order could have their water shut off.

The county also will be enforcing the law that makes it illegal for people to raise the price of their goods higher than the normal retail price during the state of emergency.